Rhonda Zygocki is retiring from a career with Chevron that's spanned more than 30 years. She started as an engineer and now serves as executive vice president of policy and planning, overseeing company endeavors including strategic planning, policy, government and public affairs and health, safety and environment.

Zygocki spoke to the Houston Chronicle about how the industry has changed during her career and how she views its future. Excerpts, condensed and edited for clarity:

Q: How did you transition from being an engineer to working on policy and planning?

A: I spent the first half of my career working in and leading operations. It really is a prerequisite for being able to move to the corporate side, setting policy. You can't deliver policy that works if you lack the experience.

There were two things that drew me to the policy side. I enjoy the diversity of experiences. And Dave O'Reilly, the chairman at the time, said I had the opportunity not just to develop a big project, but to influence the entire enterprise. He sold me on that point. That was the hook - to be able to influence an enterprise.

Q: Chevron has an unambiguous message about climate change, acknowledging that it exists and that fossil fuels contribute. How did that message evolve?

A: We've spent a long time looking at climate change, and we've had a position on it for the better part of a decade. We know the issue is global, and it requires global engagement. You can't separate the energy economy and energy security from environmental issues. We feel there need to be technological breakthroughs because the lower-carbon technology of today can't be scaled globally without subsidies.

Q: What technology is Chevron looking at that could be a promising long-term alternative to fossil fuels?

A: It's hard to pinpoint today which technology is going to provide a breakthrough. The National Petroleum Council has recommended a portfolio of technology that can be pursued in parallel. There's battery technology; improved efficiency of the internal combustion engine; cellulosic biofuels. We don't know where the breakthrough comes from.

We feel government policy is best directed at pre-commercial technologies - research and discovery - as opposed to trying to deploy subsidies. We should focus on things that are scalable globally.

Q: Republicans will gain a Senate majority in January. What does that do for the industry in terms of advancing pro-energy policies?

A: For the longest time, federal energy regulation and legislation has been anchored on the idea of energy scarcity and a net-consuming country. We're in the midst of an energy renaissance that's changing that core principle. With that is a need to rethink our energy policy.

This is a gift that's bringing jobs, growth and revenue, plus environmental benefits through natural gas. For the first time in decades policymakers have the ability to make energy affordability and energy security legacy issues.

Q: Will falling crude prices change the conversation about possibly lifting the ban on most crude oil exports that the United States has had in effect for almost 40 years?

A: It shouldn't change. We fully support the elimination of the ban on crude exports. We believe the long-term interests of the U.S. are best served by exports. The very parameters that led to the export ban are being challenged.

Q: So are you optimistic the ban will be lifted?

A: I think it will be a thoughtful process. We'd hope we move toward the principled position.

Q: The industry just suffered a big loss when Denton in North Texas passed a ban on hydraulic fracturing. Should the industry change how it addresses concerns about fracturing?

A: Chevron is a firm believer that shale and tight oil can be accessed safely and economically. We do extensive outreach to our communities. We communicate our operating standards. It's important to bring data to this debate.

We have a lot of resources on our website. We have activities that take place locally. We spend a lot of time with leaseholders and hold town halls. We have hot lines so we can be open and responsible.

Q: How is Chevron responding to falling oil prices?

A: We take the long view on investment. Our priorities and strategies don't change with the recent drop. Our growth plan is secure. We've seen a few cycles over the course of my career. We're scrutinizing our budget with a focus on cost and capital allocation.

The shale plays are exciting for us. They look very good. Even in this price environment, those investments look very strong. When we look at where we have flexibility, we look at where we have long-term projects in the very early stages, where we don't have an investment decision so they can be deferred without destroying value.

Q: What technologies are poised to have the biggest impact on the industry over the next 30 years?

A: Fracturing and horizontal drilling were two technologies we had for a while, but they only came together in the last decade. What's been equally remarkable is deep-water drilling and 3-D seismic. It's a combination that's really extended the boundary of our business.

Our technology ventures group is looking at downhole sensors, which is all about getting data in real time. The technology gives more information, cost-effectively, when you're looking at a large development of wells.

Q: As a high-ranking woman at Chevron, what's your message to young women considering a career in the energy sector?

A: I chose this industry for the engineering experience, and it hasn't disappointed. I joined the company in 1980 and was given every opportunity as my male colleagues. I focused on the job and was rewarded. I really hope I've proven to women coming up that the only limits are those that you place on yourself.

Previously, he covered energy for the Houston Chronicle. Before that, he wrote about transportation and municipal finance for Governing magazine, which is read by state and local government officials nationwide. Holeywell’s previous work has been published by the Washington Post and USA Today, and he has appeared on CNN and public radio to discuss his articles. Holeywell, a Houston native, graduated from George Washington University in Washington, D.C.